Abstract: A wheel shaping apparatus including a single cotter for expanding first and second dies circumferentially split into a plurality of first and second die elements, respectively. The single cotter is supported by a cotter supporting member at one end portion of the cotter and is also supported by a cotter guide at the other end portion of the cotter during shaping of a rim element. Because of the single cotter supported at both end portions thereof, rim bead seat portions located at axially end portions of the rim element are shaped in an accurate alignment with each other and almost exactly parallel to each other. In the case when ring-like members are provided around the first and second dies or when teeth are formed at sides of each first and second die element, formation of local deformations at gaps between two adjacent first die elements and between two adjacent second die elements is suppressed.

Abstract: A conveyor hanger used for carrying an annular work which is to be painted through an electro-static painting station. The conveyor hanger includes an arm which is inclined from the horizontal and which has a sharp edge at a top of its cross-section. A liquid paint of little electro-conductivity attached to the arm will thus flow down along the arm and will not collect on the arm. Due to the sharp edged cross-section, even if the paint remains on the arm, abrasion between the work and the sharp edge of the arm will remove the remaining paint. Thus, good electro-conductivity between the work and the arm is obtained.

Abstract: A loading/unloading apparatus for loading/unloading a work on/from a moving hanger having a vertically extending support rod and an arm for carrying a work fixed at one end to the support rod. The apparatus comprises a truck, a rail extending in parallel with the arm, a framework slidably mounted on the rail, an upper work-holding device supported by the framework via a lifter, a lower work-holding means supported by the framework via clamp driving device, and a hanger clamping device means. Since the truck is driven at the same speed as the hanger, loading/unloading without stopping the conveyer is possible. Also, since the upper and lower work-holding device are moved in a direction parallel to the direction in which the arm extends, no interference between the work and the arm occurs during loading/unloading. Finally, since the apparatus includes a hanger clamping device means, inclination of the hanger during loading/unloading is prevented.